Egilsstadir

Egilsstadir Iceland

Fljótsdalshérað - a prime choice
The municipality of Fljótsdalshérað was created on 1 November 2004, through the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Austur-Hérað, Fellahreppur and Norður-Hérað. With about 3,500 residents, Fljótsdalshérað is East Iceland's most populous municipality. Over 2,100 of the total inhabitants live in the villages of Egilsstaðir and Fellabær, which together form the largest urban centre in East Iceland. This town area supports a strong rural community, including prosperous agricultural expanses and smaller service centres at Hallormsstaður, Eiðar and Brúarás. The massive land area of this municipality - among the greatest in Iceland - stretches from Biskupsháls in the west and Héraðsflói bay in the north to the mountain ranges surrounding the central eastern fjords in the east and to Vatnajökull and Öxi in the south.

Widely varying locations available
Fljótsdalshérað offers numerous options for residence, as well as an assorted range of social services and an environment suitable for families. Residential choices include the villages forming a core at Egilsstaðir and Fellabær, the smaller centres of service at Hallormsstaður, Eiðar and Brúarás, and fertile rural spots. Egilsstaðir and Fellabær have commercial and industrial lots to provide. The population is on the upswing, construction is active, and green-field sites are available for both residential and commercial building.

Priority to families
There are fine educational possibilities in Fljótsdalshérað, with five preschools, four schools at the compulsory level, three music schools, a home economics school, an upper secondary school, and good facilities for distance studies at university level. Sports facilities are first-class, and the selection comprises four gymnasiums, three swimming pools, a magnificent sports field, a pretty golf course, a skiing area, and conveniences for horsemen. In addition to two youth recreation centres, Fljótsdalshérað has a coffee and culture house for young people. A number of state institutions have branches in the municipality, so that public services are easily accessible for residents.

Quality service at a crossroads
Throughout the year, numerous travellers are drawn to Fljótsdalshérað and its excellent amenities for the tourist, who can enjoy splendid restaurants and hotels, tour museums, and observe various cultural and natural features, while overnighting at a vacation cottage, farm accommodation, or well-equipped campground. Egilsstaðir and Fellabær have a great choice of stores with a broad selection of goods, and service companies make an effort to please the visitor. It is practical to overnight in Fljótsdalshérað, undertaking excursions during the day to other parts of East Iceland, because this centre of transport by land is at the intersection of important transportation routes inside the East and onward to other regions of Iceland. Most other towns in East Iceland lie within an hour's drive, and regular passenger and freight transport is scheduled year-round toward both the north and south of Iceland. The international airport at Egilsstaðir serves flights of only about an hour to Reykjavík and less than three hours to the European mainland.

Vibrant society in a pleasant environment
Fljótsdalshérað is home to a progressive, energetic society, in keeping with the special environment of the area. Affected by the inviting surroundings and comfortable climate, the cordiality of locals provides a warm welcome for those arriving in the municipality. There is a large range of busy cultural activities, as well as ambitious work in music, art and drama and varied undertakings by clubs and other organisations. Living museums sponsor special exhibits and an assortment of presentations and entertaining programmes. The numerous cultural festivals held annually in Fljótsdalshérað attract many artists from everywhere in Iceland to participate.

Scenic nature - mountains and woods
Famous for its natural beauty and pleasant climate, often resembling that on the Continent, Fljótsdalshérað is particularly characterised by woods, whose appearance in the environment is special for Iceland. The local society, waterfalls, lakes and rivers contribute to the many scenic attractions favourable for outdoor recreation. There are many enjoyable walking routes through forests and open areas, and trips into nearby mountain ranges are popular regardless of the time of year. Not only is the fauna varied, but there are outstanding opportunities for bird-watching, besides the unique chance to view reindeer in Iceland. Lagarfljót lake is inhabited by Iceland's most renowned water monster, Lagarfljótsormur. Berries and mushrooms grow plentifully, while anglers seek out the lakes and rivers, and sportsmen also encounter one of Iceland's most exciting areas for hunting.